Another Christmas Bird Count season has arrived. Between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, tens of thousands of bird and winter enthusiasts are rallying to count millions of birds across the continent as part of the 118th year of this wildlife survey.

The Kenow wildfire tore through Waterton Lakes National Park and into the municipal district on Sept. 11, changing lives and scarring the landscape forever. But, following in Mother Nature’s healing footsteps, a community rallied behind friends and neighbours to help clean up and begin to rebuild.

Pincher Creek Legion’s Maggie Christians and John Morin visited Matthew Halton High School on Dec. 6 to present the branch’s donation of $750, which has allowed the Needs Room to purchase a freezer. They were given a tour by principal Tara Tanner and teacher Susan Robinson.

The 2017 Winter Lights competition lit up the night with bright lights and creative displays. The contest, put on by Pincher Creek Communities in Bloom, gave homeowners and businesses a chance to show their Christmas spirit.